Problem was these gusts hit for 30 seconds of a 12 minute race. The rest of the time everyone wished they had more sail area. Only Bruce Robins challenged the theory but he picked the one race the gusts lasted half the race and it took him to Pinjarra and back. Just out of control. Best bit was we only had one light shower timed perfectly between racing so we could shelter.

We had 12 skippers register to sail which is disappointing as we have had club days with 15+ locals recently. My guess is the weather caused some skippers to hesitate and there are some Dockers fans that traveled to Optus to offer support. 

Either way we thank the skippers that did come down and their skills were tested to the max. 

The conditions allowed the skilled skippers to break away from the fleet by keeping their boats moving forwards. It was very difficult to tack especially in gusts and the top 6 boats picked their timing and executed the maneuver far easier. They also turned their boats to 15 degrees off the wind when gusts hit to keep their bow up and keep control when others were nose diving. 

Our course set was on the north end of the lake which usually brings the tree effects into the results, this did happen for the last two races especially near the top marks. The course it self had near perfect upwind and down wind legs for the first 9 races but the later races the wind direction changed to a bit more northerly, so we did find holes in the course. I offer a thank you to my capable helpers Jay Witt for scoring scribe and Terry Priest for manning the top mark. Tough job when boats struggled to hold a line above the buoys.

Our winner today taking home some quality red wine was Nick Jerwood from a strong second place Mark Easton with Ian Sherriff in third position. Well done to all skippers battling a tough day.

ALRS wished all our WA competitors heading to Port Adelaide all the best of luck and fair winds. Hope you get to enjoy the racing and hospitality of the SA clubs.